The world's largest cyclosportive event set amongst the Cape's spectacular backdrop

The Cape Argus Race is the largest individually timed cycle tour in the world. In 2014, 35,000 participants took to the 109km circular route down the Cape Peninsula from Cape Town. To make the most of our trip to South Africa we combine this challenging event with a cyclo-tour through the Western Cape. We take a route from Cape Town and take in renowned wineries, the Karoo and the spectacular Whale Route. This tour is a great way to see the Western Cape and also ideal preparation for the race itself.

Cycling profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 1

25.0km/15.5miles

Day 2

60.0km/37.3miles

Day 3

70.0km/43.5miles

Day 4

60.0km/37.3miles

Day 5

60.0km/37.3miles

Day 6

80.0km/49.7miles

Day 7

30.0km/18.6miles

Day 8

109.0km/67.7miles

Number of days cycling: 8

Pace: Approximately 1-4 hours cycling per day

Terrain: Low altitude; 100% tarmac

Itinerary

Land only clients will be picked at our pre-tour accommodation in Cape Town before picking up those passengers on the group flights and heading to the Cape Peninsula. This afternoon we set up our bikes and have a tour briefing before heading out to the Cape Point Nature Reserve where we will walk to the lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope. We will then get on our bikes and cycle roughly 25kms back to our Guest House.See more images and videos

2Day 2Cycle to Cape Town.

Today we ride to Cape Town following a large section of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour allowing us to familiarise ourselves with the route but also to enjoy the spectacular scenery. After an initial cycle along the naval road to the top of Red Hill looking out over False Bay, we head on the race route proper. We go via Kommetjie, Misty cliffs, Scarborough and through Noordhoek to the world famous Chapman's Peak Drive. We cycle over the peak to Hout Bay (the bus won't follow us up Chapman's Peak and instead will meet us at Hout Bay). After lunch we continue to Llundudnou and all along the coast to our guest house having cycled approximately 60kms.See more images and videos

3Day 3Explore the world renowned winelands near Franschoek and Worcester.

After an early transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek we get on the bikes and cycle the Franschhoek Pass with its stunning views. We continue on back roads around the Thee Waterkloof Dam towards Nuy Vallei cycling past the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve. After cycling about 70kms we transfer the final section of main road to our guest farm.

Today the scenery changes again as we cross into the semi-arid Karoo. We start with a transfer to Montagu before climbing behind the handlebars and cycling the scenic back roads of the Little Karoo. Our destination is the quiet, old, Dutch village of Barrydale nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruit and wild flowers. Today's scenic cycle is about 60kms long.See more images and videos

5Day 5Ride through the hills and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass to Hermanus.

Heading back towards the coast, today's main highlight is the spectacular Tradouws Pass. As we climb towards the top of the pass, there is an old prison camp which once homed the convicts who built the pass in 1873. From the top the pass is mainly downhill through the Langerberge Mountains. We continue through the small town of Suffold, built by the London Missionary Society in 1812. From here we have a short transferalong the N2 highway. Finally we get back on our bikes and cycle through cultivated farmlands to Bredarsdorp. Following a late lunch we transfer to the resort town of Hermanus. Known as the whale capital of the world due to the Southern Right whales which come from late August to November. Todays' cycling tally is roughly 60kms.See more images and videos

6Day 6Cycle the Whale Route, one of the most spectacular on Earth.

One of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, the Whale Route stretches out all the way to Gordon's Bay. We ride along this road with the Cape Fold Mountains to our right and the Ocean to our left, through Bettie's Bay and ending in Gordon's Bay. From here we get in the bus and transfer back to Cape Town.See more images and videos

7Day 7Optional morning ride; afternoon race registration.

This morning we have the option of taking a short, 30km, ride to do final checks on the bike before tomorrow's big day. In the afternoon we will go out and register for the race and can spend some time taking in the atmosphere and browsing the stalls.See more images and videos

8Day 8Race day!

Today is the big day! Starting from the centre of Cape Town the cycle tour will take us along the M3 to Lakeside where we join Main Road. We continue through Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek. From there we take the coastal road to Simonstown and then go past the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We continue to Scarborough and Oceanview before getting to Chapman's Peak and up Suikerbossie, finally arriving at Green Point and the finish line 110kms later.See more images and videos

9Day 9End Cape Town.

Today is a free day to explore Cape Town some more, do a bit of shopping at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or, possibly, visit Robben Island. For land only bookings the trip ends here, flight inclusive bookings will later transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Bike hire (available locally from GBP120 - paid on booking)

Single accommodation (available on request from GBP265)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Guesthouses

You will spend 8 days in standard hotels and guest houses. All the properties offer en suite bathrooms.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Please note that new regulations from the 1 June 2015 mean that any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents.
If a child under 18 is only travelling with a single parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than 3 months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Holiday style

This trip is classified Road.
Activity Level: 5 (Challenging).
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holiday’s brochure or the grading section of our website for more information on classification and grading.
Average daily distance: 54km (33 miles)
Number of days cycling: 8
Vehicle Support: 100% apart from the day of the event when there are mechanical support areas and feed stop along the route.
We recommend using a hybrid bike fitted with slick tyres or a drop bar road bike. Both types of bike are available to hire through Exodus or you can bring your own.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Below is a rough idea of what the meals will consist of:
Breakfast: Continental breakfasts with fresh fruit and the occasional fried breakfast.
Lunch: Fresh salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fruit.
Evening meal: Biggest meal of the day, stews, pasta, curry, local cuisine. Vegetarians are easily catered for.
Please be aware that we need at least two weeks' notice to deal with special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.) For this reason if you did not indicate these on your booking form please advise the Exodus office as soon as possible.
The tour leaders do all the shopping and meal planning for each group. Each tour has a cool box for cold drinks. We will supply the following drinks: fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own expense.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate characterised by dry warm summers and mild winters. March is the end of summer with average high temperatures generally around the mid-20s and average lows around the mid-teens. The weather is generally sunny, and wind is generally not too much of an issue during this time of year.

Gallery

Reviews & community

A great 10-day trip through the stunning interior and dramatic coastal roads of South Africa. The cycling was testing but thoroughly enjoyable throughout. The trip was supposed to culminate with the Cape Argus 104km road race but nature intervened and wild fires meant the race was curtailed to a leisurely 47km.......no problems after a few 100km days in the saddle over the previous days. I will be back to do the whole race next year!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The coastal road from Hermanus to Gordon's Bay, followed by the optional 'Special K's' up to the top of a short, sharp hill. Gin and tonic never tasted so good!

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant. Peter and Andy were attentive and generous hosts, making sure each day was testing, informative, nutritious and fun. Peter was an excellent leader, thoroughly knowledgable and more than adept at imparting information regarding his country and its beautiful environment. Andy worked hard to ensure the bikes were serviceable and we were well fed. Both were fun to ride and relax with - thanks, fellas.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip is challenging but achievable if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The emphasis is on cycling rather than tourism, so be prepared to fall off the aeroplane, build your bike, strap on the Lycra and be half way to Cape Point a few hours after landing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were blessed with a small group, which was different from other Exodus Trips I have been on, but this worked very well indeed. The only reason I haven't rated this trip with 5* is the curtailed road race, but this was outwith the control of the tour leader. If Peter and Andy lead next year's trip then I'll definitely be back.

A fantastic break with great scenery, superb food &amp; drink and most of all excellent cycling.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although the Argus was curtailed, due to Bush Fires, it represented a wonderful end to the Trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter Albert was probably the Best Guide I have been on with Exodus. He adapted the itinerary to cope with bush fires, heatwaves, high winds &amp; rain. His knowledge and passion for the Area really shone through. He was ably assisted by the Driver Edny, who provided, friendly and efficient Service whenever required.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take clothing for all conditions, especially the strong sun as it catch you out. Also ride at your own pace, it's your Holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would definitely consider doing this Trip again, which is about the highest praise I could give it!

A fantastic road biking trip in a beautiful part of the world, providing an excellent balance between cycling and seeing and experiencing the fantastic scenery, culture and food that the Western Cape offers. Every day was different, with both coastal and rural cycling and a couple of mountain passes thrown in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although the Cape Town fires meant that the Cycle Tour route was shortened and modified, it was still a fantastic experience to participate in this epic event.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Peter, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the places we visited. We were a small group of 4 and he really tailored the trip to suit our needs. On many of the days the itinerary was modified to incorporate extra miles on the bike and our interest in wine tasting was also adequately addressed!!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although not physically challenging, the weather was hot and some of the days were long (out and about for 12hrs +) because of everything we wanted to do - a trip to a winery, 90+km on the road and sampling the excellent local cuisine. For this reason a good level of fitness and stamina is required for this trip.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is it easy to get a visa on arrival?

British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in South Africa for no charge. Please note that all travellers to South Africa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued.

Aurelija Selvestraviciute - Customer Operations

What vaccinations do I need?

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. There will be limited information in the trip notes but you should always seek further qualified medical advice.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

Any tips for local food or restuarants in South Africa?

You should definitely try ostrich Sausages with traditional 'Pap' (Maize & water), as well as snoek fish cakes and the 'sexy' bread in Napier!Some nice places to try this might be the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay or the Sea Forth Fish Restaurant, Boulders Beach.

Ian Langford - Sales team leader

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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